Knicks looking to make major changes from Tom Thibodeau coaching approach: Report

The New York Knicks are on the market for a new head coach — despite their last one being, by far, the most successful leader they've had in the role this century.

Former five-year coach Tom Thibodeau helped drag the franchise back to respectability, leading the team to four playoff appearances during his tenure and four playoff series victories. This past season, he guided the Knicks to a 51-31 record and the Eastern Conference's No. 3 seed, en route to a surprise second round playoff series win against the reigning champion Boston Celtics and an Eastern Conference Finals appearance.

But the Knicks apparently grew weary of Thibodeau's intense approach to the game, and ousted him after the club lost to the Finals-bound Indiana Pacers in six games.

Led by All-Stars Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns, plus All-Defensive Team forward Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby, the Knicks appear to have a bright future, no matter who's calling the shots from the sidelines.

Three of the best players on top Eastern Conference rivals are all going to be recovering from Achilles tendon tears suffered in the postseason, meaning Boston Celtics power forward Jayson Tatum, Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton and Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard could all miss most or all of the 2025-26 regular season. That unfortunate news could clear a path to contention for an upstart squad like the Knicks — assuming they can avoid Achilles tears, of course.

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The Knicks have already spoken with three contenders for the gig: former Memphis Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins, former Sacramento Kings head coach Mike Brown, and current Minnesota Timberwolves assistant coach Micah Nori.

Per Stefan Bondy of The New York Post, the Knicks have some specific needs in mind for their next coach.

“According to a league source, Knicks emphasizing player development... larger rotations [and an] established plan for younger players," Bondy writes.

Thibodeau infamously liked to ride limited rotations even during the regular season, and often opted not to develop young pieces in favor of proven vets.

New York also wants a coach who will be receptive to open dialogue with his or her assistants, communicative with team president Leon Rose and his front office (although Thibodeau certainly was communicative on that front), and be flexible enough to make tactical in-game tweaks.